Attack on Modellbaudorf - Part III : The Soviet Frontal Attack

By now the Soviet observers have established that the opposite side of town has stronger defenses than anticipated. That is not surprising, as that is where the real prize lies: the factory for the V2 rocket parts. The Soviet commanders announce their 'creative' battle plan. A full frontal attack across the expanse of the town's main square. The whistle blows and the Soviet men rush out. They leave the protection of the buildings they just occupied and venture into no man's land.

More men flow out of the side streets. The junior officers and political commissars lead by example.

The bravado of their 'Hurras!' helps mask the fear that grips them. Many have seen other comrades disappear into this type of attacks. It is now their turn to step into the void.

Some men provide covering fire from the relative safety of the buildings. They feel a mix of relief and guilt -but mostly relief- for having drawn this assignment, while they have to see their comrades rush out into the jaws of uncertainty. 

The tanks follow a short distance behind.

The distance to cover across the square feels endless, even though it is at most a hundred yards. The Germans, disciplined as always, hold their fire, allowing more men to get into the open.

 

Suddenly, as the Soviets are about to reach the western end of the square, the Germans open up. 

The sound of the machine guns drowns out the noise made by the rest of the small arms being fired. 

The 88mm gun joins the fray with confidence against the T34s. This in turn drowns out all other sounds. The battle rages on with deafening fury. 

The Soviet men who have not been cut down so far, seek shelter in craters and at the square's fountain. Neither affords much safety, but it feels better than being in the open. 

The braver men continue to rush forward.

The Soviet men are seasoned veterans and they know better than to simply cower in the temporary shelter. Quickly pulling themselves together, they start using the craters and fountain to return fire and throw grenades at the closest buildings.

Is this attack a feint? Or is it the main push? To the Soviet commanders the answer is of no consequence as they have many men and tanks to replenish the losses. If the frontal attack succeeds, it will be celebrated as a bold move. If it fails, it will be written off as just a probe or a diversionary attack. 

To the Germans this question is of far greater importance. They need to know where to focus their more limited resources. But for now, they are content as the Soviets seem to have stepped right into the trap, even if they can't be sure how long they will be able to fend them off.